SIMAD University emerged as winners of the 2026 Somali IHL Competition securing a spot to represent Somalia in the All-Africa IHL Competition which will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, later this year. They prevailed in a tightly contested final against Mogadishu University.

Mogadishu University delivered a strong performance throughout the competition, advancing to the final from a field of seven universities that submitted written memorials. The in-person final featured a detention visit simulation and a moot court exercise based on international humanitarian law (IHL).

Hafsa Jelle took home the individual award in recognition of her advocacy skills and eloquent presentation before the three-jugde panel.

“The passion displayed by both teams shows the growing interest in IHL among the younger generation,” said Antoine Grand, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Somalia. “Congratulations to SIMAD University and we will be cheering them on at the All-Africa Finals later this year.”

The Somali IHL competition continues to grow as a platform for legal education and debate on international humanitarian law. Seven universities submitted written memorials in the 2026 edition:  SIMAD University, Mogadishu University, University of Hargeisa, Puntland State University (PSU), Benadir University, Somali National University (SNU) and Nugaal University. The competition offers the winning Somali law students the opportunity to connect with peers across the continent.